Prepare for Easter

Saturday, April 4, 2020

About My Father’s Business:

A Lenten Devotional Guide

“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.

Luke 19:30-31,35 KJV

Jesus endured horrible abuse during his last week on earth. Crowds and authorities made accusation, slapped him, spat on him, pushed him, beat him mercilessly, made him carry his own cross after that beating. He took every insult and pain, almost completely in silence. But this passage lets us know who was really in charge!

It’s time for the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but he isn’t going as the Romans do – riding on a powerful steed. He’s going in on a very specific donkey.

In that time and place, the donkey would have been valuable property. Jesus gave specific instructions about where to find it and they apparently brought it without anyone stopping them. The disciples rather matter-of-factly brought the colt. The text says simply that they “put Jesus on it.” Just like that? Do you mean to tell me that that colt that had “never been sat upon” just stood still for Jesus to mount and ride? Why would he?

Because animals are smarter than we are. They recognize their creator more readily than we do! He knew who was in charge, and he quietly carried Almighty God through the city while the multitudes shouted! We ridicule creatures and call them stubborn or dumb. Not this one. Obediently he carried his Master without a fuss.

Father, Thank you for the lesson learned from a donkey. Help us to recognize you as quickly and to obey you as readily. Amen

About My Father’s Business:

A Lenten Devotional Guide
prepared for First United Methodist Church
of Homosassa, Florida
Spring 2010
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator